It’s time to start the next 31 day devotional series. This one is near and dear to my heart because of my 40 plus years of helping people in times of crisis and loss. I hope that this is a blessing to you.
While you may not be experiencing a loss yourself, you may know someone who is. Please share this devotional series with them by clicking the button below.
Introduction
A Word from the Author
Grief doesn’t come with a roadmap. It doesn’t announce its presence ahead of time. Grief collides with the plans you have made. It breaks things you didn’t know could break—your comfortable routines, your valued relationships, and even your sense of self. As a longtime hospice chaplain, I’ve journeyed with hundreds of people in the messy, painful, yet sacred times of loss. I’ve listened to the stories, been present in the silences, and honored the regrets and longings uttered by those whose hearts have been broken. Grief can shatter and confuse, but grief can also awaken and eventually begin to heal.
This book was born from being in those sacred spaces with those who experience loss.
Broken Heart – Wounded Soul is a 31-day devotional for anyone navigating grief, trauma, disappointment, or spiritual disorientation. This is not a do-it-yourself manual for “getting over it.” It is a compassionate guide for those learning how to cope with, live through, and heal from loss. These devotions are not intended to help you “move on with life.” They are about moving through the dark times with honesty, and faith. They are about helping you sense the presence of the God who meets you in the rubble and ashes of your life.
Whether you are mourning the death of a loved one, the loss of a dream, the end of season, or the dismantling of who you thought you were, I hope that these devotions give you permission to grieve and time to feel the emotions in a safe place. Most of all, I hope your experiences with the book show you how you can hope courageously.
There is no wrong way to experience grief. There is no place where God is not present for you.
You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are not beyond repair.
You are broken… and still loved immensely.
How to Use This Book
This book is designed to walk with you gently, one day at a time. Each entry includes:
• A Scripture passage that speaks to the key concept of the devotion
• A reflective meditation that speaks to your grief and healing
• A practical exercise to help you incorporate the reflection into your body and spirit
• A journaling prompt to help you reflect on your experience more deeply. While journaling is optional, I encourage you to at least pause and consider your response. You don’t have to write a lot—just let your thoughts begin to take shape.
• Following the journaling prompt is a Blessing, offered as a pastoral affirmation for your day. These blessings are meant to give you strength and encouragement as you work through the difficulties you encounter.
• Finally, each devotion ends with a “Pray as You Go” breath prayer—a brief, one-sentence prayer designed to engage your body and mind in the practice of strengthening your spirit. You can repeat it throughout the day as a gentle reminder that God is with you, helping you through the process
You can move through the book one day at a time, or at your own pace. There is no rush. If one day hits especially deep, you may want to linger there.
This book works beautifully for:
• Personal grief journaling
• Spiritual direction or counseling
• Grief groups or support circles
• Quiet reflection before bed or after waking
• Prayer and meditation time
I encourage you to keep a notebook or journal nearby. Most importantly, I urge you to be kind to yourself. Some devotions may bring tears. Some may take your breath away. All of them contain an offer of hope. All are sacred steps in your healing process.
Preparation Days: Ground Zero — Facing the Ruins
For the first three days, we will set a tone and pace for the rest of the process. These devotions are designed to give yourself permission to grieve and to acknowledge your feelings.
Countless times I’ve heard rationalizations for putting grief off until a “better time.” Your soul doesn’t understand time the same way your mind does. Grief is not something to put on the calendar. You are grieving down deep inside whether you feel it or not.
During this preparation period, give yourself permission to feel fully while you are reading each devotion. This is sacred time alone with God. Let it be full of meaning and understanding. Receive the blessing for the day as encouragement to engage in your life’s activities. Use the “Pray as You Go” prayer to help you focus throughout the day.
Let’s begin with Day 1…
This is beautiful
Your words are like ointment, gentle and soothing; let the healing begin